By Paul Ewart
Singer Paul Young has a soft spot for Santa Fe.
Forgetting to pack the tequila left its mark on 80s chart-topper, Paul Young.
WHICH WAS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY?
It has to be a trip with the whole family I took in an RV around the south-west of America. We took a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, rode horses into Canyon de Chelly, rode jet bikes on Lake Mead up to the Hoover Dam, visited the sliding rocks in Sedona, Arizona and dipped into Mexico. We did so many things it's difficult to remember them all.
The atrium of Burj Al Arab in Dubai – the best hotel Paul Young has stayed in.
AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN?
It was in the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The room was over two stories, with a white grand piano under a circular staircase that led to the bedroom level. Oh, and it came complete with a butler if I wanted one, but that's really not my style.
WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?
Recently I've taken to travelling with a six point plugboard and a couple of adapters – there's so much stuff to plug in these days! Speaking of, I always take my computer and speakers of some sort. Also – depending on the length of trip – Vocalzone throat pastilles (a tip from Tom Jones), mosquito repellent and a Swiss Army Knife, although the latter is a lot harder to pack these days for obvious reasons!
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY?
Sun, sea, great food, oh, and suntan lotion! I've got sensitive English skin.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?
When travelling between time zones, eat less and sleep more. Of course, I rarely take my own advice and end up eating everything they put in front of me and drinking wine with each course, which leaves me then unable to sleep.
AND YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY?
Finding a mosquito nest just behind the wardrobe in my hotel room in Antigua. I was bitten so many times I felt physically sick for the rest of the holiday.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PACKING MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE?
Going to a Los Pacaminos gig and forgetting the tequila! I've been in charge of looking after the good stuff ever since a roadie left our stash at a gig. It's a very important job. Currently, we've got three bottles on the go: a silver Patron, Sammy Hagar's Cabo and George Clooney's Casamigos.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
I'd love to go back to Santa Fe; it's a beautiful place and there seems to be a great foodie scene there. I guess having a cultural fusion of Chinese, Mexican, American Indian and the Caribbean' will do that!
Paul Young will headline the "80's Mania" tour alongside Go West, Nik Kershaw and Cutting Crew. The show tours nationally through September. For more information see ticketek.com.au
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.